Colossians 1:11 kjv

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Colossians 1:11 nkjv

strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Colossians 1:11 niv

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,

Colossians 1:11 esv

being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;

Colossians 1:11 nlt

We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,

Colossians 1 verses

Colossians 1 11 Meaning

Colossians 1:11 describes the source, extent, and purpose of spiritual strength granted to believers. It highlights that God, through His glorious and immense power, enables His people to face all trials and difficulties with steadfast endurance and longsuffering patience, not with a spirit of resignation, but with deep-seated joy. This strengthening empowers believers to live a life worthy of the Lord, characterized by perseverance in faith and love even in adverse circumstances.

Colossians 1 11 Context

Colossians chapter 1 begins with Paul's thanksgiving for the Colossian believers' faith, love, and hope (vv. 3-8), acknowledging the Gospel's spread and fruitfulness. Verse 9 transitions into an earnest prayer for them. This verse (v. 11) is part of Paul's extended prayer, following his request that they be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" (Col 1:9-10). The strengthening described in verse 11 is therefore presented as an essential enablement for this worthy walk and fruitful life, allowing them to fully please God. Historically, Colossae faced challenges from nascent heresies that distorted Christ's supremacy, potentially leading to a lack of assurance or ascetic practices. Paul's emphasis on God's indwelling, glorious power and Christ's sufficiency directly counters such deviations, grounding their perseverance not in human discipline or special knowledge, but in divine enablement.

Colossians 1 11 Word analysis

• strengthened (Greek: δυναμούμενοι - dynamoumenoi): This is a present passive participle, meaning "being continuously strengthened." The passive voice indicates that the believers are the recipients of this strengthening, not the source. God is the one actively supplying the power. It denotes an inner invigoration, making one capable. This contrasts with any teaching that suggests strength comes purely from human effort or specific rituals.
• with all power (Greek: ἐν πάσῃ δυνάμει - en pasē dynamei): "All" emphasizes the comprehensiveness and sufficiency of the power supplied. It's not a partial or limited empowerment, but a complete enablement for whatever challenges arise. The term "power" (δύναμις - dynamis) signifies inherent ability, miraculous power, or dynamic force.
• according to (Greek: κατὰ - kata): This preposition denotes proportionality or accordance. The strength supplied is not arbitrary or minimal; it is precisely commensurate with, or in alignment with, the boundless nature of God's might.
• his glorious might (Greek: τὸ κράτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ - to kratos tēs doxēs autou):
  • might (κράτος - kratos): Refers to forceful power, manifested strength, dominion, or ruling authority. It suggests God's supreme, effective power demonstrated in His reign.
  • glorious (δόξα - doxa): Refers to splendor, majesty, radiance, and inherent weightiness. "His glorious might" points to power that is magnificent, overwhelming, and reflective of God's very nature and character, making it inexhaustible.
• for all endurance (Greek: εἰς πᾶσαν ὑπομονὴν - eis pasan hypomonēn): "All" again indicates comprehensive reach.
  • endurance (ὑπομονή - hypomonē): This is not passive resignation but an active, hopeful perseverance, remaining steadfast under difficult circumstances or suffering without yielding or succumbing. It’s the ability to bear up under prolonged trials.
• and patience (Greek: καὶ μακροθυμίαν - kai makrothymian):
  • patience (μακροθυμία - makrothymia): Literally "long-tempered" or "longsuffering." It specifically refers to patience with people who might cause offense or irritation, bearing wrongs with grace, and a slowness to anger or retribution. It can also imply patient waiting for God's timing.
• with joy (Greek: μετὰ χαρᾶς - meta charas): This describes the manner in which endurance and patience are exercised. It transforms the act from mere grim resolve to a vibrant, Spirit-empowered disposition. Joy here is not a result of external circumstances, but an internal disposition rooted in one's relationship with Christ and the indwelling Spirit. It indicates spiritual well-being amidst tribulation.

Words-group Analysis

• strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might: This phrase profoundly emphasizes the divine source and infinite capacity of the empowerment believers receive. It grounds spiritual fortitude not in self-discipline or human resolve, but in God's inherent, majestic, and limitless power. This power is suitable and available for every kind of challenge.
• for all endurance and patience with joy: This segment outlines the practical outflow and purpose of the divine strengthening. The goal is a qualitative change in the believer's response to adversity and challenging interpersonal relationships. The inclusion of "with joy" is critical, distinguishing Christian perseverance from mere stoicism; it is an active, cheerful steadfastness, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit even amid difficulties. This combination forms a robust, active spiritual resilience.

Colossians 1 11 Bonus section

The concept of "power" (dynamis) mentioned here often links to the power of resurrection, as God's "glorious might" was supremely demonstrated in raising Christ from the dead (Eph 1:19-20). This provides a potent theological underpinning for the strength believers receive—it is resurrection power at work within them, enabling them to overcome sin, death, and worldly pressures. This supernatural empowerment ensures that Christian living, though demanding, is never accomplished in human weakness alone but through an indwelling divine might that transforms character and conduct.

Colossians 1 11 Commentary

Colossians 1:11 is a pivotal verse in Paul's prayer, shifting from what the Colossians should know (God's will) to how they will be empowered to live out that knowledge. It emphasizes that a Christian's capacity for steadfastness is not self-generated but divinely endowed. The strength supplied is not a small measure but "all power," in full proportion to the immeasurable, inherent "glorious might" of God Himself. This means the resources for enduring trials are limitless, anchored in the very nature of an almighty God.

The ultimate aim of this divine strengthening is the believer's ability to maintain "all endurance" (perseverance in suffering without yielding) and "patience" (longsuffering towards others, even when provoked). This is critical for sustaining the "worthy walk" mentioned in the preceding verse. Crucially, these qualities are not to be cultivated through gritted teeth but "with joy." This deep, spiritual joy acts as the very fuel and atmosphere for genuine endurance and patience. It suggests a victory already present, even amid struggle, arising from the secure hope in Christ. The verse thus offers immense comfort and challenge: comfort that God supplies infinite strength for the believer's journey, and challenge to embrace trials with joyful perseverance, knowing the power source is inexhaustible.